European Parliament
State of the European Union: Parliament questions Ursula von der Leyen
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- State of the European Union: Parliament questions Ursula von der Leyen
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- 3:58:11
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- What would you ask the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen?
MEPs will have the opportunity to question her during this year's State of the European Union debate, in the European Parliament, in Strasbourg.
It's an opportunity for your elected representatives to hold the Commission to account, but also to reflect on the Europe we want to live in by identifying the work we have to do in the year ahead.
Competitiveness, security and economic resilience are just some of the topics on the agenda for this year's debate.
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- President Maia Sandu speaks in the European Parliament
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- 24:49
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- Moldovan President Maia Sandu will address MEPs ahead of crucial parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova on 28 September.
The elections will be held amid warnings that the Kremlin is continuing to deploy a range of online and offline tactics, including disinformation and vote-buying schemes, in an attempt to derail the country’s current pro-European trajectory. The Republic of Moldova was officially granted EU candidate country status together with Ukraine in June 2022.
MEPs will also hold a separate plenary debate with Council and Commission on how to strengthen Moldova’s resilience against Russian hybrid threats and malign interference, followed by a vote on an accompanying resolution.
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- Parliament assesses the situation in Gaza
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- 1:23:05
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- In a debate with the EU diplomacy chief, Kaja Kallas, MEPs discuss the EU action to combat famine in Gaza and the need to release hostages and move towards a two-state solution.
Parliament has called repeatedly – most recently in April – for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, including the unconditional release of all hostages, and free access and sustained distribution of humanitarian and medical assistance in the Gaza Strip. It has also expressed support for the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.
Since 7 October 2023, when the Israeli military launched a campaign in response to the Hamas-led attack in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage, more than 63,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Palestinian health ministry.
Global food security experts have confirmed a famine in Gaza City, due to the blockade on humanitarian help, and expect it will soon expand to o...
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- Watch the State of the European Union debate in the European Parliament
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- 0:34
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- Is the EU doing a good job? Parliament will check it for you!
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- 1:28
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- The State of the European Union debate will be a chance for MEPs to ask this question to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
It's an opportunity to review current challenges and plans to tackle them.
Parliament President Roberta Metsola explains what will happen during the #SOTEU debate on 10 September and why you should follow it online.
You can watch the debate live in our channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/MBcpHMPMLEE?si=cDbaFYCuGzXQKdsK
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- Affordable housing is a priority for the EU Parliament
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- 0:24
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- Housing crisis: there's no time to waste!
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- 0:42
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- Plastic waste and recycling in the EU: facts and figures
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- 0:33
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- The Baltic Way - 23 August 1989
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- 0:28
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- Watch the State of the European Union debate - 10 September
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- 0:34
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- Mark your calendar! It's almost time for SOTEU - the annual State of the European Union debate.
On Wednesday 10 September, the European Parliament will question the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on topics such as competitiveness, security, economic resilience and much more.
The debate is an opportunity for your elected representatives to hold the Commission to account, but also to reflect on the Europe we want to live in by identifying the work we have to do in the year ahead.
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- Explained: How the EU can help to fix the housing crisis
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- 14:54
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- With personal finances stretched - and house prices and rents high - many Europeans are struggling to afford a suitable home.
Recent Eurobarometer surveys show the cost of living and access to housing are among their biggest concerns.
The European Parliament is working hard to tackle the housing crisis and the issues behind it:
- How can we build more decent, sustainable and affordable homes?
- How can we improve access to social housing?
- How can working together at EU level help?
To find out more, we spoke to the chair of the European Parliament’s dedicated special committee.
Chapters:
00:00: Introduction
01:14: Why is the housing issue so important?
01:46: How has the situation changed since you first looked for a house to now?
02:30: What is the role of Parliament's special committee on the Housing Crisis?
03:25: What are the main causes of this housing c...
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- The first ever European elections
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- 0:21
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- Investing in youth = investing in Europe's future
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- 0:37
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- The European Parliament sees Erasmus+ as key to enhancing youth participation and calls for more funding for the programme in the next EU budget. Happy International Youth Day!
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- Europe is facing unprecedented challenges. It's time for the EU to invest in what matters.
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- 1:40
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- The European Media Freedom Act is here
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- 1:35
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- From today, 8 August, new EU rules will apply to better protect journalists and make media more free and independent.
This is the first EU-wide regulation of its kind, and should bring significant change.
Hear from Vice-President Sabine Verheyen, chair of Parliament's working group on the European Media Freedom Act, on the implementation of these new rules.
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- How do you benefit from the freedom of movement in the EU?
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- 4:11
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- For millions of Europeans, crossing a border is as easy as crossing a street.
That freedom of movement began 40 years ago today, when the first five countries signed the Schengen agreement - committing to removing internal border checks.
Today, it lets over 3.5 million Europeans from 29 countries to cross borders every single day to work, travel or study across Europe.
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- How the EU ensures all companies play their role reducing emissions?
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- 0:14
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- Parliament backs food safety in the EU
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- 0:29
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- This pizza is EU approved! EU food labels explained
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- 1:49
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- What should a common EU budget invest in and why?
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- 0:55
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- The rising cost of living, economic uncertainty, security concerns, climate change and agriculture challenges. The world is facing unprecedented challenges and the EU is no exception.
What should a common EU budget invest in and why?
Learn more: https://eubudget.europarl.europa.eu/
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- This summer, exercise your right to disconnect!
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- 0:15
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- Simone Veil: Holocaust survivor to EU President
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- 0:37
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- EU long-term budget: what is the European Commission proposing?
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- 1:55:50
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- Commissioner Piotr Serafin presents the new proposal for the next EU long-term budget to MEPs in the budgets committee. Right after its adoption by the Commission, they will discuss the multi-annual financial framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and own resources (the main sources of revenue for the EU budget).
The EU's long-term budget, or multi-annual financial framework, needs Parliament’s approval to be adopted. MEPs have called for a more ambitious budget, given the urgent need to address future security concerns and raise Europe’s competitiveness, without undermining support for regions and rural communities.
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- No passport, no problem: how EU travel works
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- 0:54
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- Travelling in Europe just hits different!
As you pack for your summer holiday, don't forget that, if you're an EU citizen travelling within the EU, it should be hassle-free.
You can travel around the 29 Schengen countries without having to go through border controls, and can visit Ireland 🇮🇪 and Cyprus 🇨🇾 using just your national identity card.
For EU citizens, this means:
No need for a visa
No need for a passport
No need for a new currency in 20 EU countries
No need for a new SIM
So, as you make your to-do list for your summer getaway, remember that the EU has your back.
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- Over 85% of EU bathing sites are rated excellent. See how your country is doing.
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- 0:26
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- Over 85% of monitored bathing sites in the EU are judged as excellent, and 96% meet the minimum quality standards, according to an assessment carried out by the European Environment Agency.
This is thanks to systematic monitoring and management introduced under the EU's Bathing Water Directive. The directive lays down rules for the monitoring, classification, and management of bathing water quality, as well as informing the public.
Check our infographic to see how your country is doing ☝️
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- MEPs and Commission representatives discuss the state of play of EU-US trade relations
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- 1:20:41
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- With United States President Donald Trump threatening to impose additional unilateral tariffs on European Union goods, MEPs and Commission representatives will discuss the latest developments in trade negotiations with the US, and how to best to address this challenge in transatlantic and global trade relations.
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- Want to know how the EU money is being used?
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- 0:25
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- "A strong Europe in a changing world"
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- 0:43
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- Bulgaria will be using the euro from 2026! 🇧🇬💶💪
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- 1:05
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- Preparing the EU for seasonal wildfires and droughts
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- 1:34:10
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- MEPs discuss with the European Commission and Council representatives the EU’s preparations for the upcoming wildfire and drought season in Europe.
Drought already affected large parts of Europe this spring and wildfires are now ravaging parts of Greece.
With rising temperatures expected to make the situation worse, the Commission recently presented plans to build on the success of the EU’s rescEU strategic reserve for disaster response, so that it can maintain and possibly scale up its existing capabilities.
The Copernicus Climate Change Service confirmed that 2024 was the warmest year on record globally. The Copernicus European Forest Fire Information System reported that the total burned area in the EU in 2024 was about 9% above the recorded average for the years 2006-2023, with approximately 51% more fires larger than 30 hectares.
Resources for the 2025 wildfire season include a permanent Emergency Response Coordination Centre...
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- Parliament discusses the latest developments in the Middle East
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- 1:18:14
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- The debate follows recent escalations, including US and Israel airstrikes on Iranian targets, which triggered missile retaliation attacks from Iran against Israeli cities.
In addition, MEPs are expected to repeat calls for an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and a hostage release agreement.
In a plenary debate on 16 June 2025, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said that Iran, as the main source of regional instability, must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. She also defended diplomacy as the best way to address Iran's nuclear programme in the long run.
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- EU-China summit preparation
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- 1:27:16
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- In a debate with the European Commission and Council, MEPs outline their expectations for the upcoming EU-China summit, set to take place in China in July. This summit will mark 50 years of bilateral diplomatic relations.
The debate also addresses how to tackle China’s export restrictions on critical raw materials. China recently adopted export controls on rare earth metals, including gallium, germanium and graphite. European industry relies on Chinese supplies for these materials, which are essential for key technologies, such as electromobility and energy from renewable sources.
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- MEPs debate the vote on a motion of censure against the European Commission
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- 49:36
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- President Metsola announced on the 2 July to the Conference of Presidents (a meeting of the European Parliament President and political group leaders) that an admissible motion of censure (vote of non-confidence) against the European Commission had been filed.
According to Parliament’s rules, a motion of censure in respect of the Commission may be submitted to the President by one 10th of the component Members of Parliament, i.e. 72 MEPs. To be adopted, the motion must secure a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, representing a majority of the component Members of Parliament.
The vote of motion of censure will take place on 10 July.
According to the EU Treaties, the Commission is accountable to the Parliament as a body and must resign if the Parliament adopts a motion of censure.
Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament - Rule 131 - Motion of censure on the Commission - January 2025
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- Commemorating 30 years of the Srebrenica genocide
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- 22:56
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- On the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, the European Parliament remembers the victims, reflects on the events of 1995 and emphasizes the importance of preventing future atrocities.
During the Srebrenica genocide in July 1995, Bosnian Serb forces murdered over 8,372 Bosnian Muslim men and boys in and around the town of Srebrenica during the Bosnian War.
The European Parliament has consistently condemned the Srebrenica genocide and has called for remembrance, justice, and for preventing such acts from happening again. The Parliament has also expressed solidarity with victims and their families, and rejected any denial or misrepresentation of the genocide.
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- 40 years of hassle-free traveling within the EU: the Schengen Area
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- 0:16
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- Screening of foreign investments
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- 0:16
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- "It is up to us to ensure that we give a voice to every citizen" - Metsola
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- 0:24
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- Let's make sure the next EU long-term budget is strong enough to face the future
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- 0:52
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- Explained: The EU long-term budget
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- 15:14
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- Europe is facing realities we can’t ignore: from the rising cost of living to war on our doorstep.
To help countries work together on solutions to shared problems, the EU has a common seven-year budget. The current one runs until 2027.
As the next begins to take shape, the European Parliament wants to invest in what matters.
What can the EU do to strengthen defence and support Ukraine? How can it make Europe’s economy more competitive? What about climate change and the future of EU agriculture?
To find out more, we spoke to rapporteurs Siegfried Mureșan (EP, Romania) and Carla Tavares (S&D, Portugal), the MEPs steering the file through Parliament.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
01:47 - What is the EU long-term budget (MFF) and how is it important for EU citizens?
02:53 - Is 1% of EU GDP enough for a common budget?
03:19 - What is the added value of a common EU budget?
03:42 - What is ...
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- "We need to also work for a ceasefire in Gaza" - Metsola at the EU Council meeting
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- 1:21
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
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- Bill Gates discusses how to promote health and living standards in the Global South
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- 0:22
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- Yesterday, philanthropist and Microsoft founder Bill Gates joined the European Parliament’s development committee to discuss innovation in health and living standards in the Global South.
Gates talked about his foundation’s work in public health and the need to invest in people to drive sustainable economic growth and reduce poverty.
MEPs highlighted the critical role of Official Development Assistance (ODA) amid recent funding cuts and the US withdrawal from the World Health Organisation.
ODA is government aid that promotes and specifically targets the economic development and welfare of developing countries.
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- Defining challenges and revenue options for the EU budget 2028-2034
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- 1:24:31
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- The next EU long term budget for the period of 2028-2034, also called Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) is now in the preparation. It will impact the lives of millions of students, thousands of researchers, cities, businesses, regions and NGOs. It will also allow to plan for the programmes that the EU wants to fund and increase their efficiency. That's why the European Parliament Research service is holding a debate to predict the potential challenges and priorities for the next EU long term budget.
The key speakers include the Parliament's two MEPs who work on and are responsible for reporting about the EU’s next long-term budget, Carla Tavares (S&D, PT) and Siegfried Mureșan (EPP, RO), as well as the expert from Jacques Delors Institute in Paris - Eulalia Rubio. Together they will discuss, which policy challenges the next long term EU budget will have to finance. Such topics could include security and defence, support for Ukraine, competitiveness, the repayment...
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- Bill Gates discusses health and living standards in the Global South
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- 56:13
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- Parliament hosts philanthropist and Microsoft founder Bill Gates for a debate on development assistance and innovation as key drivers for improving health and living standards in the Global South.
Organised by Parliament's development committee, the event is an opportunity to explore the critical role of Official Development Assistance amid recent funding cuts and the US withdrawal from the World Health Organisation (WHO). MEPs discuss the importance of investing in people -- through education, health, and skills development -- to drive sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction.
The conversation also focuses on the work of the Gates Foundation in public health and its approach to maximizing impact through innovation and partnerships with governments, multilateral agencies, and the private sector.
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- EU-Mercosur: The potential of a bi-regional agreement
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- 2:22:09
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- The implications of the EU-Mercosur agreement are the subject of a debate between experts, NGOs and representatives from key industrial and agricultural sectors organised by the European Parliament’s Committee on foreign affairs.
Discussions will cover the strategic relevance of the deal for the EU, how it affects business and agriculture, and its social, environmental and academic perspectives.
Speakers include representatives of:
Mercosur pro-tempore presidency:
Pedro Miguel da Costa e Silva - Ambassador of Brazil to the EU
Business sector:
Sigrid de Vries - European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA)
Agricultural sector:
Ignacio Sánchez Recarte – European committee of wine producers (CEEV)
Academia:
Arancha González Laya - Paris School of International Affairs, Sciences Po Paris
Trade unions:
Claes-Mikael Ståhl - European Trade Union Confede...
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- Relive the moments of the 2025 European Youth Event!
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- 0:21
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- Wow, can you believe it's been one week since #EYE2025?
The European Youth Event may be over, but the connections and ideas live on!
Take the energy from Strasbourg with you and let it inspire you to shape the Europe that you want to see.
What was your favourite part of #EYE2025?
Did you miss it? No worries, you can rewatch some of the best bits on our YouTube channel.
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- European Parliament against child sexual abuse
- Runtime
- 1:04
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
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- "A shameful version of humanity is unfolding in Gaza" - King of Jordan at the European Parliament
- Runtime
- 0:32
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
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- The King of Jordan, His Majesty Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, addressed Members of the European Parliament.
This was King Abdullah II’s sixth visit to the European Parliament, following his previous visits in 2002, 2007, 2012, 2015 and 2020.
During the plenary session, MEPs will discuss the situation in the Middle East.
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- Freedom of assembly under threat in Hungary - debate
- Runtime
- 1:32:16
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- MEPs ask the Commission about respect for European values in Hungary, as the government has banned Budapest Pride.
Hungary’s parliament amended the rules on public assemblies in March 2025. This enabled authorities to decide that pro-LGBTIQ+ gatherings infringe the Child Protection Act – implicitly targeting Budapest Pride’s 30th edition, scheduled for 28 June 2025.
MEPs visited Hungary in April 2025 and warned that the government’s ban on pro-LGBTIQ+ public events is not just an attack on the community, but a direct violation of the basic human and civil rights enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the EU’s core values.
The EU Court of Justice’s Advocate General recently deemed Hungary’s Child Protection Act incompatible with EU law. Based on this, MEPs are set to demand that the Commission apply interim measures as part of the ongoing trial, so that the Court of Justice of the EU can order this legislation to be s...
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- Parliament's expectations for key NATO summit - debate
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- 2:39:05
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Members of the European Parliament outline their expectations for the upcoming NATO summit in a debate with representatives of the European Commission and the Council.
NATO leaders - including from EU countries - will meet in the Netherlands on 24-26 June. On the agenda: increased defence spending in the context of Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine and calls from US President Donald Trump for Europeans to invest more and take a greater responsibility for their own defence.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently warned that Russia could be ready to use military force against the Western alliance within five years and said that NATO allies must have a creditable credible defence. Ahead of the summit, he has urged NATO members to commit to spending up to 5% of their national income on defence, a call that is expected to feature prominently in the summit deliberations.
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- Israel-Iran military escalation: risk of further instability in the Middle East
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- 1:47:56
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- MEPs, debate the situation in the Middle East with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Polish EU Affairs Minister Adam Szłapka (representing the Council presidency).
The discussion focuses on the risk of further instability in the Middle East following the Israel-Iran military escalation and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Parliament will also assess the European Commission’s decision to review the association agreement between the EU and Israel in response to Israel blocking humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip.
The agreement forms the basis for political and economic cooperation between the EU and Israel. Israel's compliance with human rights and democratic principles is an essential element of the document, enshrined in article two.
The review, announced on 20 May 2025, is the first step in a procedure that could eventually lead to the agreement being suspended.
